Spotlight on Baja’s Los Barriles

Cabo San Lucas has beautiful desert landscapes, and sparkling Sea of Cortez views, and stunning natural beauty. As a result, it is a popular tourist destination in Mexico.  Just outside of Cabo, there are charming towns to visit for a day trip, too. For example, Los Barriles is located 40 miles north of San José del Cabo, on the eastern coast of Baja. Looking for the best Cabo real estate in Mexico? At Villa La Estancia, we are proud to offer an ideal hotel-condo concept that expats love. We have built solidly constructed private residences that come with resort quality amenities and services, too. Although travel is on hold right now due to the coronavirus and COVID-19 crisis, before we know it life should resume a sense of normalcy. Next time you are in Cabo San Lucas, schedule a property tour to see what you’ve been missing. Also, plan to take a day trip from Cabo to Los Barriles. Read below to learn more about this charming town that is a bit off the beaten path.

Spotlight on Baja’s Los Barriles

To start with, Los Barriles features excellent weather, natural beauty, a rich culture and a desirable slower pace of life. As a result, many people love to visit Los Barriles or even want to buy a second home in the area. Small town life in Mexico is especially attractive right now. If you prefer having the modern conveniences that Cabo offers, Los Barriles is still perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Visitors love the sense of community and peaceful ambiance. While small, the town does have a grocery store, local tortilleria, and local fish market, too. When hunger strikes, you can feast on tasty and inexpensive fish tacos on the street. Or have a nice meal at the Italian restaurant in town. Plus, there is a bank with English-speaking staff members, 2 gas stations, a health care clinic, a dentist, hardware store and veterinarian office, too.

The Origins of Los Barriles

The origins of Los Barriles date back to 1535 when Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez and missionaries arrived in the southern Baja. Years later, Jesuits, Dominican and Franciscan padres inhabited the area and built beautiful missions. Many of these churches have been restored to their original beauty and are still in operation today. Baja Sur have rich mineral deposits in the area that contributed to its growth. The local economy in the area is mainly fueled by tourism, especially world class sportfishing. Lastly, organic farming is very popular.  Delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, dates and avocados are grown in the area.

Local Flora and Fauna  

The local flora and fauna is impressive. Los Barriles is situated between the Pacific’s rocky coast and the flat sandy beaches of the Sea of Cortez. The Baja peninsula features the Sierra de la Laguna where hills turn into sandy flats. There, a diverse landscape with unique flora and fauna thrive. Cardón filled desert, ancient mango groves, and conifer covered mountain ranges abound. Plus, more than 125 species of plants grow in the area.  In addition, bird watchers will be keen to look for the 6 endemic bird species in the area including the adorable Cape Pygmy Owl. 

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor sports lovers will not be disappointed by Los Barriles. While the area is well known for fly fishing, is also Baja’s kitesurfing and windsurfing capital. There are tons of lovely beaches that are ideal for water sports including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, too. Other popular outdoor activities include hiking, ATV tours, mountain biking and horseback riding. Depending on the time of year you visit, marine life includes manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, whales and whale sharks. Plus, Baja have pleasant weather nearly all year long. Temperatures average between 63º and 84º Fahrenheit all year round, and Los Barriles desert terrain only receives less than 10” of rain annually. Sporadic rain showers in the fall serve to refresh and hydrate plants in the area.  

In Cabo San Lucas, Villa La Estancia is a hotel-condo concept property that has beachfront residences for sale. In the market to buy a dream home in Mexico? If so, don’t forget to check out Villa La Estancia. Contact us today to learn more. It truly is an ideal place to call home and the perfect home base for fun day trips around Baja. 

Cabo’s El Arco Landmark

Cabo’s El Arco Landmark

Cabo San Lucas is not an ordinary travel destination. It is one of the best of its kind offering many tourists sights and attractions. This place provides a great venue for shaping your dream vacations and second home aspirations with memories that will stay in your hearts forever. Besides its desert-meet-mountains location, what makes this Mexican beach destination stand out from the rest is Cabo’s El Arco landmark at Land’s End. The stunning rocky landmark is composed of an arch naturally emerging from the sea where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. This iconic image is what makes this place an awesome destination to spend your vacations in Mexico and purchase a second home.

Cabo’s El Arco Landmark

The southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula is where the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez join, a rare geographical occurrence. El Arco marks this dramatic meeting spot with its striking image. Several tourist activities involve a visit to this most treasured Cabo San Lucas landmark. The uniquely beautiful rock formation is the most photographed Cabo icon and the highlight of this tourist destination.

Villa La Estancia Real Estate Cabo San Lucas

Origin of its Name

In Spanish El Arco literally translates to “the Arch” pointing to the natural rock formation that marks this place. In English, it is called, Land’s End with an interesting story behind it. Folklore mentions that sailors thought that this was the end of the world, just a stone’s throw from the South Pole. However, the warm and sunny atmosphere in Cabo San Lucas is proof that the South Pole is nowhere in sight!

Getting There

El Arco is easy to reach from the Marina of Cabo San Lucas or from Medano Beach where Villa La Estancia is located. From the Cabo’s marina, there are water taxis and glass-bottom boats which allow sea life observation during your trip; alternatively you can hire a private yacht or a panga (small fishing boats). Once you arrive, you can either indulge your sight and cameras with the photo opportunities or lounge on the beaches there.

El Arco Beaches

The beaches at El Arco offer a relaxing ambience where you can have a refreshing dip or simply enjoy the sights and sands around. Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the adventures you can enjoy. The underwater wonders of Land’s End are also something to be explored. Lover’s Beach on the Sea of Cortez side is the more popular beach because of its calm waters, while the Divorce Beach on the Pacific side is not recommended for swimming because of the rough waters.

Things To Do

The peaceful currents and the comfortable water temperatures of El Arco are ideal for doing exciting activities like snorkeling and diving. The sea here teems with varieties of fish, sea turtles, and sea lions. Pelicans also breed in the area where they can be seen diving and seeking for snacks in the water.